Government has decided to introduce new traffic rules which include imposing a fine on smoking cigarettes while driving. The culprit would be fined the first three times, after which the license will be suspended.
The decision was taken at a high profile meeting chaired by Interior Minister Ijaz Shah. The official has given a week for the new policy to be implemented. He also stated that a social media campaign will be run, the deadline for which has been fixed at 30th September.
The committee also decided that wearing seat belt while drive will be compulsory and driving without a license will be prohibited.
It should be noted that last year in March, Federal cabinet had approved the recommendation of Ministry of National Health Services and Regulations and banned the sale of loose cigarette. This was followed by a notice of Lahore High Court in October passing orders to implement smoking ban on educational institutions and public offices. In April this year, the Federal Government launched a campaign to make Islamabad a smoke free city, by banning smoking in all public areas. Also the current Prime Minister, Imran Khan had approved the imposition of tax on cigarettes. It appears the government is striving to move towards a healthier environment but the question of strict implementation looms in the air.
